November 5, 2025
Gigabits vs gigabites
Fiber reduces overall mortality by 23%
Thought it was fiber internet? Nope—grandma’s prunes might help you live longer
TLDR: A massive review links higher fiber intake to 23% lower risk of death, with big wins for heart health and cancer. Comments divided between internet-fiber jokes, genetics-based pushback that fiber isn’t universal, and eye-rolls at a perceived app pitch—making this both a health tip and a marketing drama.
A new meta-analysis says eating more fiber is linked to a 23% drop in overall mortality, with 26% fewer heart-related deaths and 22% less cancer—and the comments promptly turned it into a showdown between gigabits and gigabites. One thread opener admitted they clicked thinking this was about fiber internet, and another joked they’re “stuck on cable,” spawning memes about swapping routers for raisins. Beneath the laughs, the fight got spicy: a genetics-focused commenter argued fiber isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix, saying it worsened their cholesterol and flared their gut issues, citing possible NOD2 gene ties. Cue debate over personalized nutrition versus broad advice: yes, soluble fiber can lower “bad” LDL (the cholesterol that clogs arteries) by binding bile in your gut—but some bodies don’t play by the textbook. Then came the ad-scented drama: readers called out the post’s pivot to tracking with Empirical Health, accusing it of burying the lede—“you can’t improve what you can’t measure” sounded a lot like “and here’s the app to do it.” Still, many cheered the big-picture takeaway from the study: beans, apples, and whole grains might be the real superfoods, even if your mileage (and microbiome) may vary.
Key Points
- •A meta-analysis of 64 studies (3,512,828 participants) associates higher fiber intake with a 23% reduction in all-cause mortality.
- •The same analysis reports a 26% reduction in cardiovascular mortality and a 22% reduction in cancer risk with higher fiber intake.
- •A separate study found each additional 10 g/day of dietary fiber correlates with a 10% reduction in overall mortality risk.
- •Soluble fiber lowers LDL (ApoB) by binding bile acids in the intestine and improves glycemic control by slowing digestion, benefiting HbA1c.
- •Insoluble fiber has stool-bulking effects and shows cancer-related benefits; good soluble fiber sources include avocados, apples, beans, lentils, and whole grains.